Choosing Your Courses - Online Orientation
How to Plan Your Course Load
Managing time is essential for both new and returning students. Counselors have come up with a suggested formula for course load that is based on the number of hours one works (or is occupied with other responsibilities):
| Work Hours | Total Units |
|---|---|
| 40 hours/wk | 3-6 units |
| 30 hours/wk | 6-9 units |
| 20 or less hours/wk | 12-15 units |
1 Unit=1 hour of class time per week
Average Class=3 units
For example, according to the chart, a student who is working 30 hours each week is advised to take only 6-9 units. Otherwise, the student will most likely become overwhelmed.
It is important to remember that although a 3 unit class will only meet for 3 hours during the week, there will be extensive homework assigned. This must be factored into the equation. It is estimated that for every hour in class, there is an additional 2-3 hours of homework each week. This means…
| 3 unit class | = | 3 hours in class per week plus 3 hours of homework for each class hour |
| 3 class hours + 6 hours of homework | = | 9 hours of work for a 3 unit course |
Students often ask about the difference between full-time and part-time status. At Ohlone, a full-time student is someone who is enrolled in 12 or more units. Students taking under 12 units are considered part-time. There are several reasons why students need to be enrolled full-time:
- Eligible to remain on parents' health insurance plan
- To maximize you Financial aid eligibility
- To play in Ohlone athletics
- International students in the U.S. on an F1 Visa risk deportation if they have less than 12 units.
- Discounts on car insurance
Keep this in mind when selecting your classes. Full-time/part-time status does not depend on how many classes you are taking. Status is determined by how many units you are taking.
